In Greek mythology, Zeus had an aegis. What is an aegis?

Aegis, as stated in the Iliad, was carried by Zeus and Athena. It had been interpreted to be a shield or as an animal skin in the shape of a shield, sometimes bearing the head of a Gorgon.

Today, people use the word "aegis" to mean doing something under the protection of a powerful, knowledgeable, or benevolent source. The word aegis is identified with protection by a strong force with its roots in Greek mythology and adopted by the Romans. There are parallels in Norse mythology and in Egyptian mythology as well, where the Greek word aegis (a device to provide protection) is applied by extension.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

20 Comments

Kat

This is variously described as BOTH a shield and a breastplate. That being the case, you should remove one or the other of those answers so that there is no chance of picking the "wrong" one.

Fred Zeb Fudpucker

or an American integrated naval weapons system

John W Shreve

Then there's the shield of faith and the breastplate of righteousness.

Chris Brown

An aegis could be a shield and/or a breastplate, so both are technically correct.

gusroy

It is also a breastplate!!bad choice of answers!

Karin Johansson

Kat, and a thunder cloud.

Ken Putnam

Hence the US Navy's Aegis weapons system

Richard G Schwartz

Thank you Julie Allen.

goosenbuster

Controversial. Lots of better explanations in the comments.

Denise Currie

Usually made from Goat Skin

Joseph A. Robitaille

I liked the question and answer. Especially Fred Zeb Fudpucker's answer.

Rob Farr

I love mythology trivia questions ... thanks.

Julie Allen

The aegis is a shield carried primarily by Zeus in Greek mythology, which he sometimes lent to Athena. According to other sources, it was not a shield but rather an animal skin worn over the garments of the gods as extra protection. It bore the head of a Gorgon and made a terrible roaring sound during the battle.